Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com.

What is Project 543?

Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com.

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Visit 12 real mines and uncover hidden treasure

Uncover hidden gems at Emerald Village, tucked away in Little Switzerland in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This family- and pet-friendly destination boasts impressive, historic mines, equipment and a waterfall that have been featured on National Geographic and the Travel Channel. Mine for gems, pan for gold or collect minerals and take home the treasures from your trip. Staff members will help you identify everything you discover, and professionals can cut and polish your gems to be made into jewelry. Take the nighttime Black Light Mine Tour to go underground into Bon Ami Mine to find a rainbow of fluorescent minerals that can only be seen under ultraviolet light.